By Miriam Humbe
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Solomon Nwankwegu paid a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Emir of Minna, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Faruk Bahago III on 4th of November 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen relations with traditional institutions and deepen community engagement.
Abubakar Abdulkareem Zakariya, the
Assistant Superintendent of Customs I
Command Public Relations Officer disclosed this in a statement signed for the Acting Customs Area Controller
Niger/Kogi Area Command.
The visit provided an opportunity for the Acting Customs Area Controller to formally introduce himself to the revered traditional ruler, appreciate the enduring role of the traditional institution in promoting peace and social cohesion, and seek continued support and cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
During the engagement, DC Nwankwegu acknowledged the strategic importance of traditional rulers in community mobilisation, intelligence sharing and the promotion of peaceful coexistence, noting that effective collaboration with stakeholders remains essential to achieving the Service’s mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, suppression of smuggling and protection of the national economy.
His Royal Highness, the Emir of Minna, warmly received the Acting Customs Area Controller and his delegation.
He offered royal blessings and prayed for a successful and impactful tenure, wishing him wisdom, strength and divine guidance in the discharge of his responsibilities.
The Emir also offered special prayers for officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly those deployed to the field, seeking divine protection, safety and success in the performance of their duties. He further prayed for lasting peace, unity and stability across Nigeria.
The royal father emphasised the importance of sustained engagement between government institutions and traditional authorities, highlighting the need for collective commitment towards peace, security and national development.
In appreciation, the Acting Customs Area Controller expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception, royal blessings and prayers, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and effective stakeholder engagement in advancing the Service’s mandate.
The visit underscores the Niger/Kogi Area Command’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with traditional institutions and other critical stakeholders in support of the Nigeria Customs Service’s core responsibilities, including revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling enforcement, national security and economic development.
